The public unveiling Thursday of Remedy — a snazzy bar and lounge sporting 22 televisions, 18-foot high definition projection screen, stage, dance floor and seating for 144 — marks the completion of a multimillion dollar expansion at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington.

Since the venue added gaming in 2004, which now features more than 1,500 machines, the attraction draws some 2 million people annually, said Steve Martin, director of marketing, during a tour Wednesday of the new features.

Game changer

The addition of Remedy creates "a destination within a destination," for Finger Lakes, said Martin, who predicted an increase in visitors, though he couldn’t predict how many. Overall, most casino guests come from within about a 75-mile radius, he said. He expects most guests will continue to be from the region, he said, though coming in greater numbers as people discover Remedy.

"This is really a game-changer," said Martin.

While the energy from hundreds of flashy gaming devices is hard to beat, the new food and beverage attractions in the casino radiated an excitement of their own Wednesday afternoon as builders, cleaners, and staff with kitchen, bar and business expertise bustled to complete finishing touches.

Behind the bar in Remedy, where the spacious bar and lounge had been covered from view by black curtains before the unveiling, Remedy’s Food and Beverage Supervisor Andrea Casasanta took a moment from logging inventory and stocking shelves to share her enthusiasm. A Geneva resident who began working at Finger Lakes seven months ago, Casasanta said Remedy adds a new, distinctive offering at Finger Lakes and one she is delighted to have a hand in. "I love the energy it will bring. Everyone is so excited," she said.

About 50 of the 79 jobs created by the expansion are working at Remedy.

Offerings

In addition to televised sporting events on a nightly basis, Remedy offers pay-per-view events, comedy, trivia nights with Buzztime and live local musical entertainment. Live performances by groups such as Brass Taxi, Tommy Brunett and Big Eyed Phish are slated for the first month, with national acts also visiting on occasion. Appearing Halloween night will be Rob Base, who is famous for his multi-platinum hit single, "It Takes Two" and top-10 dance single "Joy and Pain."

Remedy’s bar features craft cocktails, signature drinks and an assortment of wines including those from local wine producers Constellation Brands Inc. and Dr. Konstantin Frank. Also on tap are 23 domestic and imported beers and a variety of bottled beers. The full-menu includes

choices from the also newly-opened Wolfgang Puck Express at Finger Lakes. A restaurant concept by internationally known chef Wolfgang Puck, the menu includes Puck's signature, hand-crafted gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, soups and fresh salads, including his famous Chinois Chicken salad.

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On Wednesday, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide Inc.’s vice president of operations, Lesley Whitten, was in from Beverly Hills with a team overseeing a trial run of Wolfgang Puck cuisine served for employees.

Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack hosts the first Wolfgang Puck Express in New York state outside New York City.

In the kitchen, Finger Lakes’ Executive Chef Dave McDonald was busy — and beaming. The roll-out of the new restaurant was going well.

"It’s a new opportunity. We are raising the bar with food and entertainment," said McDonald, who attended special training in Los Angeles for the opening of Wolfgang Puck. McDonald, a Penfield High grad who began his career years ago working in local cafes, said he likes the emphasis on fresh ingredients and a menu created as much as possible from organic and sustainable produce.

Line cook, Matt Fritz, was smiling as well. Two weeks on the job, Fritz, a 2011 Canandaigua Academy graduate who studied culinary arts at Monroe Community College, said the new job is to his liking. Among many delights, Fritz said: "I love how we have a new kitchen — nothing is broken. I like the fast pace, you are never bored," he said.